All About Bladder And Kidney Cancer

By Daphne Bowen


Humans have been plagued by diseases for their entire history, claiming millions of lives. In some cases, our scientists developed cures and vaccines to prevent them. In other cases, we have not been unlucky, and these diseases continue to take our lives. Present day world is suffering from cancer, one of which is bladder and kidney cancer.

Although there are different types of cancers, they all begin in the same way. Cell division is a closely regulated process in the body with numerous proteins and enzymes controlling every aspect of this process. When the mechanism to control cell proliferation fails, cells continue dividing resulting in a lump known as a tumour that may spread to other parts of the body and becomes cancer.

Smoking is the single greatest risk factor for developing cancer on the kidney and bladder. It is responsible for more than half of all new cases of these diseases. In addition, chronic irritation from parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis, long-term exposure to certain drugs and industrial chemicals are risk factors. The diseases affect a significant proportion of the population.

The most common symptom associated with both diseases is the appearance of blood or blood clots in the urine. Other symptoms include pain or burning during urination, frequent passage of urine and feeling the need to urinate many times throughout the night. Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied lower back pain on one side of ones body and feeling to urinate but not able to pass the urine.

By the time blood is spotted in urine and a cancer diagnosis is given, the disease has spread to other parts of ones body. Consequently, there may be other symptoms depending on which part of the body is infected. For instance, shortness of breath if its already in the lungs and jaundice if its in the liver.

The tumour may spread to other parts of ones body. If it does, the patient may experience other symptoms depending on the organ affected. For instance, jaundice is observed if the liver is affected and coughing if the lung is affected. If it does not spread and also grows slowly, the risk of dying is less than 5% within the first five years. Radiation or chemotherapy options may be explored. Additionally, removal of parts or entire organs may be considered for treatment.

To avert the risk of developing cancer of the bladder or kidney, there are several measures one can take. They include quitting smoking because it is the single most risky factor. Its also crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and keep active. Healthy eating including fruit and vegetables, fish and whole grain foods is also important.

There are no vaccines to prevent or drugs to cure tumours on the bladder and kidney. The risk of death after developing the disease is high. It is important to schedule regular visits to the doctor. Additionally, irresponsible behaviour such as smoking is high risk and needs to be stopped. Adoption of healthy habits such as eating whole foods and avoiding fatty foods is crucial.




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